Barcelona defender Ronald Araújo has been granted an open-ended leave of absence following the team’s 3–0 Champions League loss to Chelsea — a night that reportedly left him struggling emotionally and mentally.
Per Mail Online, the 26-year-old Uruguay international has been allowed time away as he works through mental-health challenges that have influenced his form this season.
Araújo has featured 15 times for Barcelona across all competitions, but his most recent outing ended with a first-half red card after a reckless tackle on Marc Cucurella at Stamford Bridge. While Barcelona initially attributed his absence from their LaLiga victory over Alavés to a stomach issue, head coach Hansi Flick has now confirmed the situation is more personal.
“Ronald is not ready right now,” Flick said ahead of Tuesday’s clash with Atlético Madrid. “It’s a private matter. I won’t say more. Please respect that.”
His comments echo those of club president Joan Laporta, who expressed strong backing for the captain after what he described as excessive criticism.
“He’s been through a lot, and some of the criticism hasn’t been fair,” Laporta noted during an event in Andorra. “He gives everything on the pitch. He’s our captain, and he needs to navigate this difficult moment. We’re behind him — here, we win and lose together, and no single player carries the blame.”
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